When Defensiveness Takes Over: Why Some Men Struggle to Hear the People They Love

Photo Credit: TMS Sam @Pexels.com “Why does every conversation turn into an argument?” It is one of the most common questions that appears in both individual therapy and couples therapy. A partner raises a concern. Perhaps she says she feels lonely in the relationship. Perhaps he says he […]

The Watertight Marriage: Navigating the Evolution of the Couple’s Vessel.

By Ari Sotiriou UK Accredited Psychotherapist Email: asotiriou@online-therapy-clinic.com Clinic: Online-Therapy-Clinic.com UK Accredited Psychotherapist Photo by Eva Bronzini @ Pexels In the British psychoanalytic tradition, we often view the couple as a “dynamic container.” However, when couples arrive in my consulting room, they frequently describe a feeling of total […]

The Three Pillars of Relational Recovery: Breaking the Parent-Child Dynamic through the Relational Handshake

Image source Vlada Fadeeva @Pexels In the complex architecture of modern relationships, many couples find themselves trapped in a wearying paradox. Despite their best intentions and deep affection for one another, they often feel less like romantic partners and more like a weary supervisor and a reluctant subordinate. […]

Navigating the Borderline Between Spiritual Experience and Psychosis in Psychodynamic Therapy

In the therapeutic space, we sometimes encounter individuals who describe intense physical or spiritual experiences that can be challenging to interpret. These experiences may reside at the boundary between a meaningful spiritual journey and potential psychosis, presenting complex questions about safeguarding and clinical responsibility. In one recent case, […]

Embracing Loss and Mortality in Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring Death through Celebrations and Psychoanalytic Theory

Exploring how psychodynamic therapy helps us face mortality, process grief, and find meaning in life’s inevitable endings.

Erysichthon’s Hunger: The Myth of Emptiness and its Echo in Psychodynamic Theory

In Greek mythology, few stories resonate as powerfully with the theme of emptiness as the myth of Erysichthon. Erysichthon, a Thracian king, brazenly cut down a sacred tree belonging to Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility. In her wrath, Demeter cursed him with insatiable hunger, a torment […]

The Self on Social Media: A Psychodynamic Perspective on the True and False Self

In today’s digital world, the allure of social media is hard to resist. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer seemingly endless opportunities for self-expression, connection, and validation. Yet, beneath the surface, they can also amplify feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and disappointment. Donald Winnicott’s theory of the “true […]

Working with Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough” through CBT and Psychodynamic Approaches

Core beliefs shape our perception of ourselves and influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. One common core belief many individuals struggle with is the feeling of “never good enough.” This belief can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and an insatiable need for external validation. In this […]

Understanding Emotions: A Pathway to Healing

As a psychotherapist with years of experience, I often encounter clients who feel stuck in their emotional journeys. One common struggle is the desire to escape overwhelming feelings, such as anxiety, sadness, or frustration. These emotions can feel like waves crashing over us, making it tempting to seek […]